The jazz listener’s guide to great record shops in Copenhagen

Whether you enjoy crate digging for long out-of-print 7-inches or buying factory fresh re-issues or new LPs, Copenhagen has got you covered. With its wide selection of record stores specialising in all kinds of genres and formats, there’s plenty of discoveries on tap for even the most die-hard jazz aficionado. Here’s a small selection of shops carrying jazz to get you started.

Happy hunting!

Sound Station

Located on Frederiksberg, Sound Station has been at the forefront of Copenhagen record shops since its establishment in 1991. With an impressive stock of approximately 200.000 vinyls and CDs covering all genres – including rare jazz originals and brand new re-issues – you’re sure to find something interesting every time you visit.

Mint Records, also on Frederiksberg, is a real crate digger’s haven. Dealing mostly in used vinyl and CDs, you never quite know what you’re going to stumble upon here. Mint Records usually carries a large selection of jazz vinyl and CDs at affordable prices. Make sure to peruse the bargain section in the basement.

Serving multiple duties as both record store, record label, occasional venue and constant hangout, Insula Records on Nørrebro is something akin to an institution on Copenhagen’s scene for underground music. While Insula always carries a wide selection of both used and new vinyls and cassettes, the “niche” is typically where it’s at here – expect jazz on the “free” end of the spectrum.

Another multipurpose jazz hub – venue, café and CD shop JazzCup in the city centre has been going steady since 1987. No vinyls in sight here; an impressive and exclusively jazz-focused selection of new CDs is the main attraction for curious visitors. JazzCup shares ties with local jazz label Stunt Records and the independent music group Sundance, ensuring a wide selection of releases from Danish jazz musicians.

If you’re looking for used jazz vinyl, Beat Bop in the city centre should be on your shortlist of attractions. Run by former Mercyful Fate-guitarist and self-confessed jazzist Michael Denner, Beat Bop is a bit of a hidden gem with a separate room dedicated to jazz and classical music – while carrying almost every other genre as well.

Peder Hvitfeldts Stræde 14, 1173 København K.

Sort Kaffe & Vinyl

Sort Kaffe & Vinyl

Carrying its passions on its sleeve, the aptly named Sort Kaffe & Vinyl (Black Coffee & Vinyl) on Vesterbro has been serving music enthusiasts and coffee lovers with freshly made black coffee and new and re-issued vinyl records since 2006. Jazz is on the top of this cozy café/bar/record store’s list of interests, and it shows in their selection.

The newest establishment on this list and on the scene for Copenhagen records shops in general, Beat on Vesterbro is jampacked with new releases and mint re-issues. The record store/café hasn’t even celebrated its second anniversary, yet has already secured itself a position as one of the finest purveyors of new vinyl in town. You’ll find almost all genres represented here, including a generous and well-curated jazz section.